The following information
was published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
on its website. In brackets and italic letters, you can find
our comments on the CDC information. Also note our yellow highlights.

Hepatitis B Frequently Asked Questions

Index of Questions

What is hepatitis?

"Hepatitis" means inflammation of the liver. Toxins, certain drugs,
some diseases, heavy alcohol use, and bacterial and viral infections
can all cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is also the name of a family of
viral infections that affect the liver, the most
common types are Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

What is the difference between Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and
Hepatitis C?

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are diseases caused by three
different viruses. Although each can cause similar symptoms, they have
different modes of transmission and can affect the liver differently.
Hepatitis A appears only as an acute or newly occurring infection and
does not become chronic. People with Hepatitis A usually improve
without treatment. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C can also begin as acute
infections, but in some people, the virus remains in the body,
resulting in chronic disease
and long-term liver problems.

[The virus in these people is in a latent state.
Novirin was designed to help the immune system target the latent HBV. A clinical study showed that the Novirin formula is antiviral.
See here.]

We accept all types of credit cards (credit, debit, pre-paid, etc.). Sorry, no other modes of payment.

To keep your privacy, your bank or credit card statements will show the name of our parent company. For obvious reasons we don't mention it here.

For your security, we will never call you and ask for your credit card number, or personal information over the phone.

Novirin is only available on this website. Novirin is not sold in stores, or on other websites.

There are vaccines to prevent Hepatitis A and B; however, there is not
one for Hepatitis C. If a person has had one type of viral hepatitis
in the past, it is still possible to get the other types.

What is Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity
from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong
illness. It results from infection with the Hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis B can be either "acute" or "chronic."

Acute Hepatitis B virus infection is a
short-term illness that occurs within the first 6 months after
someone is exposed to the Hepatitis B virus. Acute infection can -
but does not always - lead to chronic infection.

Chronic Hepatitis B virus infection is a
long-term illness that occurs when
the Hepatitis B virus remains in
a person's body.

[The virus in these people is latent. Novirin helps the immune system target the latent hepatitis virus.]

How common is acute Hepatitis B in the United States?

In 2007, there were an estimated 43,000 new Hepatitis B virus
infections in the United States. However, the official number of
reported Hepatitis B cases is much lower. Many people don't know they
are infected or may not have symptoms and therefore never seek the
attention of medical or public health officials.

Has the number of people in the United States with acute Hepatitis
B been decreasing?

Yes, rates of acute Hepatitis B in the United States have declined
by approximately 82% since 1990. At that time, routine Hepatitis B
vaccination of children was implemented and has dramatically decreased
the rates of the disease in the United States, particularly among
children.

How common is chronic Hepatitis B in the United States?

In the United States, an estimated 800,000 to 1.4 million persons
have chronic Hepatitis B virus infection.

How common is chronic Hepatitis B outside the United States?

Globally, chronic Hepatitis B affects approximately 350 million
people and contributes to an estimated 620,000 deaths worldwide each
year.

How likely is it that acute Hepatitis B will become chronic?

The likelihood depends upon the age at which someone becomes
infected. The younger a person is when infected with Hepatitis B
virus, the greater his or her chance of developing chronic Hepatitis
B. Approximately 90% of infected infants will develop chronic
infection. The risk goes down as a child gets older. Approximately
25%-50% of children infected between the ages of 1 and 5 years will
develop chronic hepatitis. The risk drops to 6%-10% when a person is
infected over 5 years of age. Worldwide, most people with chronic
Hepatitis B were infected at birth or during early childhood.

How is Hepatitis B spread?

Hepatitis B is spread when blood, semen, or
other body fluid infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body
of a person who is not infected. People can become infected with the
virus during activities such as:

Birth (spread from an infected mother to her baby during birth)

Sex with an infected partner

Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug-injection equipment

Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected
person

Direct contact with the blood or open sores of an infected
person

Exposure to blood from needlesticks or other sharp instruments

Can a person spread Hepatitis B and not know it?

Yes. Many people with chronic Hepatitis B virus infection do not
know they are infected since they do not feel or look sick. However,
they still can spread the virus to others and are at risk of serious
health problems themselves.

Can Hepatitis B be spread through sex?

Yes. Among adults in the United States, Hepatitis B is most
commonly spread through sexual contact and accounts for nearly
two-thirds of acute Hepatitis B cases. In fact, Hepatitis B is 50-100
times more infectious than HIV and can be passed through the exchange
of body fluids, such as semen, vaginal fluids, and blood.

Can Hepatitis B be spread through food?

Unlike Hepatitis A, it is not spread routinely through food or
water. However, there have been instances in which Hepatitis B has
been spread to babies when they have received food pre-chewed by an
infected person.

What are ways Hepatitis B is not spread?

Who is at risk for Hepatitis B?

Although anyone can get Hepatitis B, some
people are at greater risk, such as those who:

Have sex with an infected person

Have multiple sex partners

Have a sexually transmitted disease

Are men who have sexual contact with other men

Inject drugs or share needles, syringes, or other drug equipment

Live with a person who has chronic Hepatitis B

Are infants born to infected mothers

Are exposed to blood on the job

Are hemodialysis patients

Travel to countries with moderate to high rates of Hepatitis B

If I think I have been exposed to the Hepatitis B virus, what
should I do?

If you are concerned that you might have been exposed to the
Hepatitis B virus, call your health professional or your health
department. If a person who has been exposed to Hepatitis B virus gets
the Hepatitis B vaccine and/or a shot called "HBIG" (Hepatitis B
immune globulin) within 24 hours, Hepatitis B infection may be
prevented.

How long does the Hepatitis B virus survive outside the body?

Hepatitis B virus can survive outside the body at least 7 days.
During that time, the virus can still cause infection if it enters the
body of a person who is not infected.

How should blood spills be cleaned from surfaces to make sure that
Hepatitis B virus is gone?

All blood spills - including those that have already dried - should
be cleaned and disinfected with a mixture of bleach and water (one
part household bleach to 10 parts water). Gloves should always be used
when cleaning up any blood spills. Even dried blood can present a risk
to others.

If I had Hepatitis B in the past, can I get it again?

No, once you recover from Hepatitis B, you develop antibodies that
protect you from the virus for life. An antibody is a substance found
in the blood that the body produces in response to a virus. Antibodies
protect the body from disease by attaching to the virus and destroying
it. However, some people, especially those infected during early
childhood, remain infected for life because they never clear the virus
from their bodies.

Can I donate blood, organs, or semen if I have Hepatitis B?

No, if you have ever tested positive for the Hepatitis B virus,
experts recommend that you not donate blood, organs, or semen because
this can put the recipient at great risk for getting hepatitis.

Does acute Hepatitis B cause symptoms?

Sometimes. Although a majority of adults develop symptoms from
acute Hepatitis B virus infection, many young children do not. Adults
and children over the age of 5 years are more likely to have symptoms.
Seventy percent of adults will develop symptoms from the infection.

What are the symptoms of acute Hepatitis B?

Symptoms of acute Hepatitis B, if they
appear, can include:

Fever

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Nausea

Vomiting

Abdominal pain

Dark urine

Clay-colored bowel movements

Joint pain

Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or the eyes)

How soon after exposure to Hepatitis B will symptoms appear?

On average, symptoms appear 90 days (or 3 months) after exposure,
but they can appear any time between 6 weeks and 6 months after
exposure.

How long do acute Hepatitis B symptoms last?

Symptoms usually last a few weeks, but some people can be ill for
as long as 6 months.

Can a person spread Hepatitis B without having symptoms?

Yes. Many people with Hepatitis B have no symptoms, but these
people can still spread the virus.

What are the symptoms of chronic Hepatitis B?

Some people have ongoing symptoms similar to acute Hepatitis B, but
most individuals with chronic Hepatitis B remain symptom free for as
long as 20 or 30 years. About 15%-25% of people with chronic Hepatitis
B develop serious liver conditions, such as cirrhosis (scarring of the
liver) or liver cancer. Even as the liver becomes diseased, some
people still do not have symptoms, although certain blood tests for
liver function might begin to show some abnormalities.

How will I know if I have Hepatitis B?

Talk to your health professional. Since
many people with Hepatitis B do not have symptoms, doctors diagnose
the disease by one or more blood tests. These tests look for the
presence of antibodies or antigens and can help determine whether you:

have acute or chronic infection

have recovered from infection

are immune to Hepatitis B

could benefit from vaccination

How serious is chronic Hepatitis B?

Chronic Hepatitis B is a serious disease that can result in
long-term health problems, including liver damage, liver failure,
liver cancer, or even death. Approximately 2,000-4,000 people die
every year from Hepatitis B-related liver disease.

What are antigens and antibodies?

An antigen is a substance on the surface of a virus that causes a
person's immune system to recognize and respond to it. When the body
is exposed to an antigen, the body views it as foreign material and
takes steps to neutralize the antigen by producing antibodies. An
antibody is a substance found in the blood that the body produces in
response to a virus. Antibodies protect the body from disease by
attaching to the virus and destroying it.

What are the common blood tests available to diagnose Hepatitis B?

There are many different blood tests available to diagnose
Hepatitis B. They can be ordered as an individual test or as a series
of tests. Ask your health professional to explain what he or she hopes
to learn from the tests and when you will get the results. Below are
some of the common tests and their meanings. But remember: only your
doctor can interpret your individual test results.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg)is a protein on the surface of the Hepatitis B virus. It
can be detected in the blood during acute or chronic Hepatitis B
virus infection. The body normally produces antibodies to HBsAg as
part of the normal immune response to infection.

A positive test means:

A person has an acute or chronic Hepatitis B virus infection
and can pass the virus to others

A negative test means:

A person does not have the Hepatitis B virus in his or her
blood

Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (anti-HBs)
is an antibody that is produced by the body in response to the
Hepatitis B surface antigen.

A positive test means:

A person is protected or immune from getting the Hepatitis B
virus for one of two reasons:

he or she was successfully vaccinated against Hepatitis
B

OR

he or she recovered from an acute infection (and can't
get Hepatitis B again)

Total Hepatitis B Core Antibody
(anti-HBc) is an antibody that is produced by the
body in response to a part of the Hepatitis B virus called the
"core antigen." The meaning of this test often depends on the
results of two other tests, anti-HBs and HBsAg.

A positive test means:

A person is either currently infected with the Hepatitis B
virus or was infected in the past

IgM Antibody to Hepatitis B Core
Antigen (IgM anti-HBc) is used to detect an acute
infection.

A positive test means:

A person was infected with Hepatitis B virus within the last
6 months

Hepatitis B "e" Antigen (HBeAg)
is a protein found in the blood when the Hepatitis B virus is
present during an active Hepatitis B virus infection.

A positive test means:

A person has high levels of virus in his or her blood and
can easily spread the virus to others

This test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of
treatment for chronic Hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B e Antibody (HBeAb or
anti-HBe) is an antibody that is produced by the
body in response to the Hepatitis B "e" antigen.

A positive test means:

A person has chronic Hepatitis B virus infection but is at
lower risk of liver problems due to low levels of Hepatitis B
virus in his or her blood

Hepatitis B Viral DNA
refers to a test to detect the presence of Hepatitis B virus DNA
in a person's blood.

A positive test means:

The virus is multiplying in a person's body and he or she is
highly contagious and can pass the virus to others

If a person has a chronic Hepatitis B virus infection,
the presence of viral DNA means that a person is possibly at
increased risk for liver damage

This test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of drug
therapy for chronic Hepatitis B virus infection.

How is acute Hepatitis B treated?

We accept all types of credit cards (credit, debit, pre-paid, etc.). Sorry, no other modes of payment.

To keep your privacy, your bank or credit card statements will show the name of our parent company. For obvious reasons we don't mention it here.

For your security, we will never call you and ask for your credit card number, or personal information over the phone.

Novirin is only available on this website. Novirin is not sold in stores, or on other websites.

There is no medication available to treat acute Hepatitis B. During
this short-term infection, doctors usually recommend rest, adequate
nutrition, and fluids, although some people may need to be
hospitalized.

How is chronic Hepatitis B treated?

It depends. People with chronic Hepatitis B virus infection should
seek the care or consultation of a doctor with experience treating
Hepatitis B. This can include some internists or family medicine
practitioners, as well as specialists such as infectious disease
physicians, gastroenterologists, or hepatologists (liver specialists).
People with chronic Hepatitis B should be monitored regularly for
signs of liver disease and evaluated for possible treatment. Several
medications have been approved for Hepatitis B treatment, and new
drugs are in development. However, not every person with chronic
Hepatitis B needs to be on medication, and the drugs may cause side
effects in some patients.

What can people with chronic Hepatitis B do to take care of their
liver?

People with chronic Hepatitis B should be monitored regularly by a
doctor experienced in caring for people with Hepatitis B. They should
avoid alcohol because it can cause additional liver damage. They also
should check with a health professional before taking any prescription
pills, supplements, or over-the-counter medications, as these can
potentially damage the liver.

Can Hepatitis B be prevented?

Yes. The best way to prevent Hepatitis B is by getting the
Hepatitis B vaccine. The Hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective and
is usually given as 3-4 shots over a 6-month period.

What is the Hepatitis B vaccine series?

The Hepatitis B vaccine series is a sequence of shots that
stimulate a person's natural immune system to protect against HBV.
After the vaccine is given, the body makes antibodies that protect a
person against the virus. An antibody is a substance found in the
blood that is produced in response to a virus invading the body. These
antibodies are then stored in the body and will fight off the
infection if a person is exposed to the Hepatitis B virus in the
future.

Who should get vaccinated against Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for:

All infants, starting with the first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine
at birth

All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who
have not been vaccinated

People whose sex partners have Hepatitis B

Sexually active persons who are not in a long-term, mutually
monogamous relationship.

Persons seeking evaluation or treatment for a sexually
transmitted disease

Men who have sexual contact with other men

People who share needles, syringes, or other drug-injection
equipment

People who have close household contact with someone infected
with the Hepatitis B virus

Health care and public safety workers at risk for exposure to
blood or blood-contaminated body fluids on the job

People with end-stage renal disease, including predialysis,
hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis patients

Residents and staff of facilities for developmentally disabled
persons

In order to reach individuals at risk for
Hepatitis B, vaccination is also recommended for anyone in or seeking
treatment from the following:

Sexually transmitted disease treatment facilities

HIV testing and treatment facilities

Facilities providing drug-abuse treatment and prevention
services

Health care settings targeting services to injection drug users

Health care settings targeting services to men who have sex with
men

Chronic hemodialysis facilities and end-stage renal disease
programs

Correctional facilities

Institutions and nonresidential day care facilities for
developmentally disabled persons

When should a person get the Hepatitis B vaccine series?

Children and Adolescents

All children should get their first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine
at birth and complete the vaccine series by 6-18 months of age.

All children and adolescents younger than 19 years of age who
have not yet gotten the vaccine should also be vaccinated.
"Catch-up" vaccination is recommended for children and adolescents
who were never vaccinated or who did not get the entire vaccine
series.

Adults:

Any adult who is at risk for Hepatitis B virus infection or who
wants to be vaccinated should talk to a health professional about
getting the vaccine series.

How is the Hepatitis B vaccine series given?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is usually given as a series of 3 or 4
shots over a 6-month period.

Is the Hepatitis B vaccine series effective?

Yes, the Hepatitis B vaccine is very effective at preventing
Hepatitis B virus infection. After receiving all three doses,
Hepatitis B vaccine provides greater than 90% protection to infants,
children, and adults immunized before being exposed to the virus.

Is the Hepatitis B vaccine safe?

Yes, the Hepatitis B vaccine is safe. Soreness at the injection
site is the most common side effect reported. As with any medicine,
there are very small risks that a serious problem could occur after
getting the vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with
Hepatitis B are much greater than the risks the vaccine poses. Since
the vaccine became available in 1982, more than 100 million people
have received Hepatitis B vaccine in the United States and no serious
side effects have been reported.

Is it harmful to have an extra dose of Hepatitis B vaccine or to
repeat the entire Hepatitis B vaccine series?

No, getting extra doses of Hepatitis B vaccine is not harmful.

What should be done if Hepatitis B vaccine series was not
completed?

Talk to your health professional to resume the vaccine series as
soon as possible. The series does not need to be restarted.

Who should not receive the Hepatitis B vaccine?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is not recommended for people who have had
serious allergic reactions to a prior dose of Hepatitis B vaccine or
to any part of the vaccine. Also, it not recommended for anyone who is
allergic to yeast because yeast is used when making the vaccine. Tell
your doctor if you have any severe allergies.

Are booster doses of Hepatitis B vaccine necessary?

It depends. A "booster" dose of Hepatitis B vaccine is a dose that
increases or extends the effectiveness of the vaccine. Booster doses
are recommended only for hemodialysis patients and can be considered
for other people with a weakened immune system. Booster doses are not
recommended for persons with normal immune status who have been fully
vaccinated.

Is there a vaccine that will protect me from both Hepatitis A and
Hepatitis B?

Yes, there is a combination vaccine that protects people from both
Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. The combined Hepatitis A and B vaccine is
usually given as three separate doses over a 6-month period.

Can I get the Hepatitis B vaccine at the same time as other
vaccines?

Yes. Getting two different vaccines at the same time has not been
shown to be harmful.

Where can I get the Hepatitis B vaccine?

Talk to your doctor or health professional or call your health
department. Some clinics offer free or low-cost vaccines.

What is Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)?

Hepatitis B immune globulin is a substance made from human blood
samples that contains antibodies against the Hepatitis B virus. It is
given as a shot and can provide short-term protection (approximately 3
months) against Hepatitis B.

Are pregnant women tested for Hepatitis B?

Yes. When a pregnant woman comes in for prenatal care, she will be
given a series of routine blood tests, including one that checks for
the presence of Hepatitis B virus infection. This test is important
because women infected with this virus can pass Hepatitis B to their
babies during birth. But this can be prevented by giving the infant
HBIG and the first Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, and then completing
the series.

What if a pregnant woman has Hepatitis B?

If a pregnant woman has Hepatitis B, she can pass the infection to
her baby during birth. But this can be prevented through a series of
vaccinations and HBIG for her baby beginning at birth. Without
vaccination, babies born to women with Hepatitis B virus infection can
develop chronic infection, which can lead to serious health problems.

How does a baby get Hepatitis B?

A baby can get Hepatitis B from an infected mother during
childbirth.

Can a baby be protected from getting Hepatitis B from his or her
mother during birth?

Yes, almost all cases of Hepatitis B can be prevented if a baby
born to an infected woman receives the necessary shots at the
recommended times The infant should receive a shot called Hepatitis B
immune globulin (HBIG) and the first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine
within 12 hours of birth. Two or 3 additional shots of vaccine are
needed over the next 1-15 months to help prevent Hepatitis B. The
timing and total number of shots will be influenced by several
factors, including the type of vaccine and the baby's age and weight.
In addition, experts recommend that the baby be tested after
completion of the vaccine series to make sure he or she is protected
from the disease. To best protect your baby, follow the advice of his
or her doctor.

What happens if a baby gets Hepatitis B?

Most newborns who become infected with Hepatitis B virus do not
have symptoms, but they have a 90% chance of developing chronic
Hepatitis B. This can eventually lead to serious health problems,
including liver damage, liver cancer, and even death.

Do babies need the Hepatitis B vaccine even if a pregnant woman
does not have Hepatitis B?

Yes. The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all infants. CDC
recommends that the infant get the first shot before leaving the
hospital.

Why is the Hepatitis B vaccine recommended for all babies?

Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all babies so that they will
be protected from a serious but preventable disease. Babies and young
children are at much greater risk for developing a chronic infection
if infected, but the vaccine can prevent this.